(cctv.com)
Updated: 2008-01-15 12:12

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican John McCain focused on cementing their comeback victories in New Hampshire's crucial primary on Wednesday (January 9).

Analysts say the contests to become a US presidential nominee are wide open.

The races in Iowa and New Hampshire traditionally set up the presidential front-runner, but did little this year to clarify who's ahead.

Experts say McCain now has a lead in the Republican race, but only by a slim margin.

Tom Mann, Political Analyst OF Broolings Institute, said, "I think of all the candidates in the Republican race, McCain now has the advantage, but it's in no sense a mighty advantage or an invulnerable advantage. It looks to me as if that race is going to go on for some time."

Though the New Hampshire win should give McCain a boost, he does not have as much funding as some of his rivals.

His independent streak, which was part his appeal in New Hampshire, has cost him support as he defied the Republican mainstream on immigration and other key issues.

In the Democrat race, Hillary Clinton defied polls and pundits in New Hampshire to narrowly defeat Barack Obama.

Hillary believed the turn around in her campaign was partly due to her emotional speech pledging to serve the people. Experts say Hillary dramatically increased her support among women and college educated voters. The win reinvigorated Hillary's bid to become the first female president of the US.

Tom Mann, Political Analyst OF Broolings Institute, said, "Hillary has advantages in that she has long held the lead in the national polls, although that has tightened recently, but my own view is that momentum is not going to be a consideration now."

Obama, with his sights set on becoming the US' first black president, will be bidding for resurgence in South Carolina and Nevada.

After the primary, Obama said he expects a close race and a lot more work needs to be done.